Kazakhstan: visa and residence permit applicants are now subject to fingerprinting

Please be informed that foreign nationals are now subject to obligatory fingerprinting when obtaining certain documents in Kazakhstan. The requirement took effect on January 1st, 2024.

Which law introduces the changes?

  • Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated December 30, 2016 No. 40-VI ZRK "On fingerprinting and genomic registration" (as amended by the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated December 23, 2023 No. 50-VIII)

What are the changes?

Foreign nationals who are 16 or older are subject to fingerprint registration when procuring the following migration documents:

  • Temporary residence permits

  • Permanent residence permits (including duplicate or exchanged documents)

  • Kazakhstani visas

  • Asylum status documents, refugee travel documents and certificates


NB! In relation to e-visas and visas on arrival (issued in airports) this requirement shall apply starting from 1 July 2025.

The fingerprint registration is performed by local MIA offices in the territory of Kazakhstan. Visa applicants abroad must undergo this procedure at local consulates.

Refusal to undergo the fingerprint registration may lead to administrative expulsion from Kazakhstan.

Intermark comments

As per migration offices’ clarifications, those who have already received their TRP, PRP of visa by January 1st, 2024, will not be required to pass the procedure until they apply for extension or renewal of the respective documents.

As of today, the procedure is performed on a live queue basis and may take considerable time because of high demand. We are also getting reports of varying requirements as to what documents and actions are requested by specific migration offices.

When visiting a migration office, the foreign nationals should bring their passport and IIN (tax ID). Some offices may also request a translation of the passport and a labour contract (for those who have arrived for the purpose of work). We also recommend taking into consideration that the certificate confirming the fingerprint registration is not issued immediately – as a rule, another visit next day is required to collect it.

We will continue monitoring how these new requirements are implemented in practice and will inform you of any important changes.

Who is affected?

Foreign nationals, applying for procurement or renewal of TRP, PRP, or visas of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

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